10Synonyms found for lateral

Word Origin & History

lateral 1560s (implied in laterally), from L. lateralis "belonging to the side," from latus (gen. lateris) "side" (see oblate (n.)). As a type of pass to the side in U.S. football, it is attested from 1934. Related: Laterally.

Example Sentences for lateral

Lateral buds grow along the sides of a shoot and give rise to the sideways growth that makes a plant bushy.

Once the plant is growing well, gradually begin pinching or pruning off lateral growth at the plant's base.

They have a lateral line down their whole body that senses motion, but maybe it does more than that.